Travel in Philippines - Getting Around

Getting around the Philippines isn’t always a luxurious experience, but services are regular if nothing else. Manila is the connecting point for all major transportation routes, with trains, buses and ferries all leaving form the capital at various points during the day.

The train line connecting Manila with Legazpi has a bad reputation for safety, making bus travel the ideal transportation solution. There are a few companies operating in Manila that can get you to the outer provinces and beyond, but road maintenance is less than sufficient at some points. It is possible to travel by ferry to other islands in the Philippines and there are regular services from Manila.

Inside the capital city of Manila, there is an extensive network of bus routes to get around, but the traffic can be brutal at times, making any form of road travel undesirable. There are two metro train lines running through the city from north to south although during peak hours, but they are often crowded beyond rational capacity. The train is, however, often a better option for moving around than negotiating the gridlock outside. Metros on both the yellow and the purple lines run from 05:00 to 21:00.

The most economical mode of transportation in Manila is the bus, or if you have a good idea of where you are going, a jeepney. This cross between a jeep and a van can be a good option for short jaunts. Taxis are widely available, but they are the most expensive form of road transport. The added problem of doctored metres and fleecing cab drivers can make riding in taxis frustrating.